Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Police Awards topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rochelle Park honors officers and dispatcher for actions leading to arrest of armed suspect
Summary
Chief Dean Pinto presented gallantry and meritorious‑service awards after a May 7 incident in which dispatch helped officers locate and apprehend an armed person; the committee recognized three officers and dispatcher Andrew Gorman.
Rochelle Park recognized three officers with gallantry awards and a dispatcher with a meritorious service citation during the July 22 Township Committee meeting.
Chief Dean Pinto recounted a May 7 call that began when a ShopRite employee reported a handgun falling from a man’s waistband. His dispatch team provided continuous, real‑time updates that helped patrol units locate and apprehend the armed person at a Dunkin' Donuts. Pinto said the officers executed the arrest without injury and recovered a ghost handgun modified to function as an automatic firearm.
"These officers knowingly stepped into danger to protect our community, demonstrating exceptional courage," Pinto said while announcing plaques and ribbons. He also said dispatcher Andrew Gorman, who could not attend, would receive the meritorious service award for providing critical information to officers on the road.
Mayor Miller and committee members applauded the department and noted letters of commendation the clerk read into the record that recognized several other officers for professional service and assistance at large events.
